Nsikazi DJing duo take over amapiano scene
Shakes & Les said they want to their music to make an impact in the amapiano music scene not only locally, but internationally.
Building their brand as Shakes & Les, Kamogelo Shakoane (22) and Sihle Lukhele (24), are reaching the peak as one of the hottest amapiano DJs and music producers.
They are currently receiving great feedback and support in the province for co-producing at least three songs on the amapiano star DJ, Uncle Waffles’ latest album, Solace.
Lukhele said they started to interact with Uncle Waffles through social media. He said it is a blessing to have been granted such an opportunity. “The first song on which we worked together, was ‘Khumbula’. Soon afterwards everything just jelled together in the other songs such as ‘Waffles Anthem’ and ‘Khula’.”
The two are also pushing their first-ever project, an EP, titled Groovinhos Kitchen. The EP was released on May 5 and has six fresh and unique amapiano songs.
Lukhele said their goal at this stage is to get exposure and getting themselves known in the music industry.
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“We have been getting positive feedback on our EP. We are getting gigs even outside the country such as in Tanzania to where we have travelled twice, eSwatini and mostly Gauteng.”
They formed a duo in 2021 after they individually ventured in producing and DJing.
Shakoane, originally from Bhuga Trust in KaBokweni, said he was inspired by his uncle as a producer. The love of music started in by playing instruments at church influenced by his grandmother.
“I have always wanted to be a DJ from a young age and I was always fascinated about producing and DJing. I have learnt a lot from Les since we got together,” he said.
Lukhele grew up in KaNyamazane where his music journey also began in church. He was a pianist influenced by his father.
They said the Covid-19 lockdown motivated them to venture into music professionally.
Shakoane said they are working hard to get the exposure they need to work with other musicians and to make a mark in the music industry.
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“We want to drop a mix soon and working towards releasing our first album. There are no details yet about the album but until then, we hope the music communities, local and international enjoy our EP and projects with other musicians,” he said.
Their music is available on digital streaming platforms such Spotify, iTunes and YouTube as Shakes & Les.
